Written by: Mauricio Cuenca, Caminos al Futuro 2026
When applying to the Caminos al Futuro pre-college summer program, I truly had no idea what to expect. My only thought was that this was an incredible opportunity, and that I should be honored to attend. Even though I thought highly of the program prior to arriving on campus, I never imagined how much we would be able to learn in a matter of weeks. The Cisneros Institute, and everyone involved, has put an incredible amount of love into the program. This could be felt during our trips around DC (to places like the National Museum of African American History & Culture, the Washington Monument, and Capitol Hill), in the classroom (with lessons on writing, research, and the history of Latinos in the United States), and in the evening programming (with activities like painting, karaoke, and World Cup watch parties). Through these experiences, I’ve become much more confident that I belong at a university such as GW.
Weirdly enough, even though I had a great time during my first week on campus, I was anxious about my 1-on-1 check-in with Dr. Elizabeth Vaquera, the executive director of the Cisneros Institute. Dressed in a suit for the steakhouse we would dine at afterwards for the Caminos welcome dinner, I sat down nervously, as if I were sitting down for an interview, worried that I would be scrutinized in some way. However, I quickly realized that this would just be a friendly conversation. Dr. Vaquera asked me more about my interests and how I was feeling in the program, and I got to learn more about her research and work at the Institute.
I left her office feeling at ease and walked outside, where a Cisneros Scholar took my professional headshot. After everyone completed their check-ins, we headed over to Bully Spanish Steakhouse to celebrate a successful first week. Sitting at a round table with my peers, members of the Cisneros Institute team, and former Caminos al Futuro alumni further fed my appetite for genuine community and reaffirmed my knowledge that I am, indeed, on the right camino.
Mauricio Cuenca is a 2026 Caminos al Futuro Scholar. Mauricio’s views are his own and not necessarily reflective of the Cisneros Institute.